Former Vice President Mike Pence blasted President Donald Trump for criticizing U.S. foreign policy on Saudi soil—a move Pence called “unfortunate” and “damaging,” especially in light of Saudi Arabia’s ties to the 9/11 attacks. Pence’s sharp rebuke came amid Trump’s high-profile Middle East tour, raising questions about the president’s standing with Israel.
Pence Rebukes Trump for Criticizing America Abroad
In a pointed appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Pence accused Trump of disrespecting U.S. troops and undermining decades of American military engagement in the Middle East. The criticism followed Trump’s speech in Riyadh, where he condemned “nation-building,” “neo-cons,” and “liberal NGOs” for dragging the U.S. into endless wars.
Pence emphasized that the speech dishonored veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. “You don’t criticize the sacrifices of American service members while standing in the very country that gave us 15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers,” he said.
BREAKING: In an unreal moment, Mike Pence accuses Trump of trashing America to our enemies.
Make sure everyone sees this. pic.twitter.com/GLp2nG5XTK
— Really American 🇺🇸 (@ReallyAmerican1) May 18, 2025
Skipping Israel Raises Alarm in GOP Circles
Trump’s decision to skip Israel during his multi-nation Middle East trip has raised serious concerns among conservatives and staunch pro-Israel allies. Pence, a longtime supporter of the Jewish state, called the omission a “strategic blunder” that could send the wrong message to Israel’s leadership and its people.
Oh, look, that neocon traitor Mike Pence runs on Meet The Press to cry about President Trump and a free airplane.
Is there a bigger scumbag in the Republican party than this douchebag? pic.twitter.com/oEOBR7xXqY— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) May 18, 2025
Adding to the controversy, Trump met with Syria’s newly installed president and lifted key sanctions—moves strongly opposed by Israeli officials. Critics argue these decisions signal a softening of U.S. commitment to Israeli security, especially in a region where Iranian influence remains a growing threat.
Economic Wins Can’t Erase Policy Fallout
Despite Pence’s criticism, Trump’s team has pointed to major wins during the tour. Gulf nations agreed to billions in U.S. investment commitments, including a historic aircraft deal with Boeing. But even these gains, Pence warned, could be overshadowed by damaging diplomatic optics and conflicting policy moves.
Pence also expressed frustration over Trump’s praise of Saudi leadership. He noted the irony of delivering anti-terrorism remarks in a nation with deep historical ties to Islamic extremism and called for a more cautious approach to American messaging abroad.
Trump Faces Fallout from Conservative Base
While many Trump supporters continue to cheer his America First message, Pence’s critique reflects growing friction within GOP ranks over foreign policy direction. With Israel left off the itinerary and diplomatic gestures made toward Syria, Trump risks alienating key Republican voters and evangelical Christians who view unwavering support for Israel as non-negotiable.
With mounting pressure both at home and abroad, the fallout from Trump’s Middle East trip may only be beginning.